Apparatus adapted to the cutting, shaping, or forming of structural members



Dec. 1'5, 1953 R E APPARATUS ADAPTED Filed May 19, 1952 GROVE TO THE CUTTING, SHAPING, OR FORMING OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS 5 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 15, 1953 R. E. GROVE 2,662,563

APPARATUS ADAPTED TO THE CUTTING, SHAPING, OR FORMING OF' STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Filed May 19, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 RUSSELL E'. GROVE /N VE N TOR HUEBNER, BEEHLER,

WORREL 8 HERZ/G TTORNEKF faez/Wm R. E. GROVE APPARATUS ADAPTED TO THE CUTTING, SHAPING, OR

Dec. 15, 1953 F'ORMING OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 Filed May 19, 1952 Patented Dec. l5, 1953 APPARATUS ADAPTED TO THE CUTTING, SHAPING, OR FORMING F STRUCTURAL MEMBERS Russell E. Grove, Fresno, Calif.

Application May 19, 1952, Serial No. 288,678

1 claim. 1

The present invention relates to power driven tools and more particularly to an apparatus especially adapted to the cutting, shaping, or forming of structural members utilized in building construction.

The efficacy of the apparatus of the present invention is readily demonstrated by reference to the frame construction of buildings such as that popularly employed in dwellings. Although power driven saws, routers, and the like, are useful in cutting, shaping, or forming structural lumber, such tools are conventionally utilized in forming single cuts or grooves during a given operation and, although the powered motivation thereof saves manual effort and increases the speed of operation, the forming of the members is still essentially a manual operation in the selection, measuring, and manipulation with tools and lumber.

'The great variety of structural members required makes their production a time consuming operation which can be performed only by expert craftsmen or under the supervision thereof.

Most of the structural members in frame dwellings are formed of lumber commonly referred to as 2 X 4s. In the formation of studding, 2 X 4s are cut to predetermined length and provided with squared opposite ends. rThis is probably the simplest structural member required. In the formation of a common rafter, it is necessary to provide a squared end on a 2 X 4, a plate-fitting notch in spaced relation to the squared end, and an angular' opposite end. In all but the simplest roof structures, there are many more complex rafters than that described. A

jack rater provides the squared end, the platetting notch, and an opposite end having a coinpound angle, that is, an end cut at an angle across the side of the 2 X l oi which the jack raiter is formed, as well as at an angle across the edge thereof. Rafters extended between parallel valleys and hips of complex roof structures do not require plate-tting notches but necessitate the formation of both ends thereof in parallel planes of compound angularity relative to the length of the rafter, as described for one end oi the jack rafter. Rafters extended between angularly related valleys and hips require ends having compound angularity, as described, terminating in planes which are angularly related in correspondence to the angularity of the valley and hip with due regard to the desired pitch of a roof being constructed. Still further, rafters are frequent-ly required between valleys and ridges having one end of compound angularity relative to the length of the rafter and an opposite end of simple angularity, as described for one end of a common rafter. While structural members of many other forms will readily occur to anyone skilled in the art, the studding, common rafters, jack rafters, two types of valley-to-hip rafters, and valley-tordge rafters will serve to demonstrate use of the subject invention and will subsequently be referred to in connection with their formation.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for forming, shaping, or cutting structural members for buildings and the like.

Another object is to minimize labor expenses incident to building construction.

Another object is to provide a power driven apparatus adapted to expedite the formation of structural members of the character described.

Another object is to provide a power driven apparatus adapted to minimize errors productive of wasted labor and material in the cutting of structural members.

Another object is to provide'an apparatus of the character described that may be utilized speedily and with precision by even inexperienced operators.

Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in a device of the `character described that is economical to produce, durable in form, and conducive to the most economical use of materia-1s and uniformity of members formed therefrom.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent in the subsequent description in the specification. Y

In the drawings:

Fig. l 'is a plan view of an apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the apparatus shown in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary electrical diagram illustrating the control system of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary plan view of a table, bracket, stop, and stop positioning means utilized in the apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a. somewhat enlarged section taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. G is a somewhat enlarged section taken on line ii-- of Fig. l.

Fig. is a somewhat enlarged section taken on line l--T of Fig. 1.

8 is a somewhat enlarged section taken .on line 8--8 oi Fig. 1.

o of Fig. 1.

E of 1 12 i. an enlarged fragmentary pian View of a spacing bar utilized in the apparatus.

Fig. 13 is a somewhat enlarged section taken on line ll--iii of Fig. 1.

Fig. 111.- is a horizontal section taken on line lil-M of Fig. 13.

Fig. l is a fragmentary foreshortened soinewhat enlarged plan view of the structure shown at the left 'portion of Fig. 1, as viewed.

Fig. 16 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the table, a stop, an auxiliar stop, and control means as viewed from line lil-io in Fig. 15.

17 is a section'taken on line ill-il of Fig. 15.

Referring in greater detail to the drawing:

.An elongated table is indica-ted at 3i] supported at any convenient height by legs 3i. A fence S2 is mounted at a longitudinal edge of the table and with stops., soon to be described, denes lumber-receiving areas on the table. The edge on which the fence is mounted is referred to as the rearward edge of the table.

A pair of rods 35i are mounted in parallel rela tion on the table 3B rearwardly of the fence 3E a by bracket arins A pair of brackets are slidably mounted in spaced relation on the rods adjacent to the table in a position elevated above the rods sucient for extension of the brackets toward the table above the fence, as evident in Fig. 17. A sleeve 3l is provided integrally with each bracket at position rearwardly of the fence 32. An elongated spacer rod 38 is slidably mounted in the sleeves 3'? of both of the brachu ets Sil and a set screw 3S extended through each of the sleeves for spaced rod engagement in locking the brackets predetermined spaced ren lation on the so cer rod for unitary slidable movement longitudinally of the table on thc rods 3d. For reasons soon to become apparent, the rods 35.- and the spacer rod 33 are provided such a position rearwardly of the fence 32 and at such an elevation as to avoid interference with power driven tools soon as to be described.

As evident in Figs. 1 and l5, a. latch housing fit1 is mounted on the fence 32 and rearwardl.' extended therefrom providing a sleeve portion 4l in slidable circumscrihing relation to the spacer rod Sil. n spring-pressed latch il is mounted in the housi g and has an end disposed for engagement with the spacer rod. The spacer rod is nrow vided with noi-ches d3 in predetermined positions spaced longitudinally thereof. The springpressed latch is adapted to be received in the notches to lock the spacer rod in predetermine; position relative to the table. The latch provides an exposed knob integral therewith, by wlrch the latch can be withdrawn from notch engageinent adjustably to position the spacer rod. is an adjusting convenience, the spacer rod :t8 has etched, indented, or othewise defined thereon, a plurality of symbols indicative of rod positioning, to form predetermined structural members. For example, the applicant prefers to use a square 45 to designate a setting for a common rafter, a circle 55.5 to designate a setting for a jack rafter, a circle with radial lines di to designate a setting for a valley-to-hip rafter, and a triangle 23 to designate a setting for a valley-to-ridge rafter,

etc. A number for each is designated within the indicating symbol to specify the length of structural member to be formed at a given ting of the spacer rod. rThe designating symbols are provided on the spacer rod adjacent to notches it therein which when engaged by thc latch position spacer bar for the orrnation of a designated structural member. A pointer 49 is mounted on the latch housing i i proximity to the spacer rod for convenience in `locating the rod by vis al reference to the designating symbols thereon.

Transverse stops 52 3 are pi'votally mounted on the brackets as at observable in Figs. 1, l5, 1G, and i7. T`..e transverse sions are pivoted between o .e "ions transversely on t`^e table 3) and retracted une wardly pivot-ed pc ions. For conrrol of sitioning of the stops and E3, solenoids Eil are pivotally connected between the brackets 35i and the transverse stops and rcsncom tively.

The transverse stop E2, `preferably mounted on the bracket at the left end of the table 3G, as viewed in Fig. 1, nivotally mounts an aurai` ary stop 59 as at for movement between a Substantially horizontal position extended longitudinally of the table Se toward the transverse stop 53, as shown in l and l5, and an upwardly pivcted rei-acted position shown in dash line in 2. it will be observed that the auxiliary stop is appreciably than its transverse stop 52 and not rested directly upon the table, but when disposed in orerable osition is in sutilciently cloself,7 soaced relation to the table to engage x fls or other workgcieces, not shown, rested on tne table. a solenoid nivotally interconnects the transverse stop 52 and the acallw stop 59 is utilized pivotallj/ 'to pos, on the auxiliary stop from a remote and moro conw venient control point.

A plurality of conditioning switches S5 are mounted on the transverse stop in spaced relation to the fence 32': and disposed for individual engagement by 2 X fis, or other workpieces of predetermined size, rested on edge on the table and against the fence. The conditioning switches 55 are mounted on the stop 52 below the auxiliary stop 59 so as to avoid interference therewith. Somewhat similarly, conditioning switches t are mounted on the transverse stop t3 in spaced rclation to the fence for individual engagement with 2 es rested on edge on the table. The auxiliary stop provides a plurality ci staggered faces El, each transversely disposed to the-table and of a Width substantially equal to the thickness of a. 2 X 4. The faces are spaced longitudinally of the table a distance substantially equal to their width so that the staggered or echelcn arrangement thereof can be regarded as in substantially angular relation to the length of the table. An auxiliary conditioning switch SS is mounted in alignment with each of the faces 6'! on the auxiliary stop 59 for engagement with 2 X 4s rested on edge on the table against the fence and endwardly abutting the faces. The switches t5, 66 and 68 are referred to as conditioning switches in asmuch as they condition their respective circuits for actuation. That is, when they are closed by engagement of a workpiece thereagainst, their respective circuits are operable, when not so closed, their circuits are inoperable.

A table extension or shelf l2, shown in Figs. 2, 7, and 8 is rigidly mounted on the table 30 and rearwardly extended therefrom in spaced relation to the right end of the table, k as viewed in Fig. l. A plate 13 is bolted or otherwise se.- cured to the shel and mounts a tubular post le in vertical position thereon. The 90st is longitudinally slotted at l5. A carriage base 'I6 has an extension slidably Fitted to the slot l5. An elevating shaft 'il is journaled in the post in a substantially erect position and held in xed ele,- vational relation therein as by a. thrust plate 'i8 mounted on the upper end of the post in circumscribing relation to the shaft and thrust washers 'i9 rigidly mounted on the shaft on opposite sides of vthe plate. The shaft I7 is screw-threadably engaged in the post of the base 'IE extended into the slot 1 5. For convenience in rotating the shaft, a hand wheel il!! is mounted on the upper end thereof. It will be evident, that by rotating the shaft 'Il the base 'it is elevationally adjustable in the post. An elongated carriage arm 84 having a rack gear B5 is slidably mounted in the base 'Iii for reciprocal horizontal movement transversely of the table. The carriage arm 84 has a circular plate 85 mounted on the end thereof adjacent to the table in a substantially erect plane and mounts a stop 8l on the opposite end of said arm. A circular adjustable plate 'de is rotatably mounted in facing engagement concentricall-y on the plate 8e as by a pivot bolt te. The adjustable plate is provided with an arcuate slot 9,0 concentric thereto through which a headed locking bolt 9| is extended and screw-threadahly engaged in the fixed plate tlii.

A tool motor te having a drive shaft 95 is rigidly mounted on the adjustable plate 33 with the drive shaft S5 diametrically related thereto. A router head 95 is mounted .011 the drive shaft for engagement with workpieces rested on the table.

A reversible driving motor lilo is mounted on the base 'it and provides a pinion lili in mesh with the rack gear 85.

A shelf U32, evident in Figs. 1, 9, and lll, simi.- lar to shelf l2 is also rigidly mounted on the table 3d and rearwardly extended therefrom. A pair of elongated slots |33 are formed through the shelf in parallel relation to the table. A base M34 is mounted on the Shelf lll in adjustable positions longitudinally of the table by means of bolts E535 extended through a portion of the base and the slots let and providing :outs itil tightened against the sh elf.

The base la, like the base it, mounts a car,.- riage arm i Id similar to the lcarriage arm te for slidable movement therethrough transversely of the table The vcarriage arm vprovides a rack gear IIE and a mounting plate Ilja adjacent to the table has a stop l ll on the lopposite end thereof. A tool motor li@ having a drive shaft El@ and a hase lilo is rigidly mounted on the mounting plate i la as by bolts l' l' with the drive shaft horizontally extended in substantially parallel relation to the table. saw blade |22 is mounted on the drive shaft l lil.

A reversible driving motor E25 is mounted on the base i253 and has driving connection to the rack gear II-'i by means of a pinion |26.

No provision has been made for the elevational adjustment of the tool motor IIS nor its angular adjustment relative to the table. It is to be understood that such adjustability may he provided if desired in the manner described for the router tool motor il@ or otherwise.

A shelf |32 is rigidly mounted on the table 30 and rearwardly extended therefrom intermediate the transverse step 52 and the shelf |02, evident in Figs. 1, 11, and 13. A circular mounting plate |33 is weldably or otherwise secured to the shelf |32 in a substantially horizontal position, an upper mounting plate |34 is rotatably mounted in facing engagement with the plate I 33 by a headed bolt |35 journaled in the upper plate |34 and secured to the mounting plate I 33. The upper mounting plate |34 has a concentric arcuate slot |36 formed therein, preferably traversing 90 of the upper plate and a headed bolt |31 is extended through the slot and screw-threadably engaged in the plate |33 to lock the upper plate in adjusted. rotational position.

A longitudinally slotted post Mil similarto the post 74 is weldably mounted eccentrically in the upper plato |34 and upwardly extended therefrom. A base Uil has a portion extended into the slot of the post and is mounted for adjustable elevational movement on the post. An elevating shaft I 42, thrust plate Idil, thrust Washers IM, and hand wheel are mounted in the post and by screw-threaded engagement of the shaft with the base I4! provide adjustable elevational movement of the base in the manner previously described in connection with the mounting of the base 16.

A carriage arm M8 having a rack gear its, similar to the carriage arms S4 and lit, is slidably mounted in the base I4! for reciprocal movement transversely ,of the table 3%. The carriage arm has an end adjacent to the table provided with a circular mounting plate l5@ mounted thereon in a substantially erect plane and an opposite end providing a stop |52. A circular adjustable plate |53 is rotatably mounted ooncentrically on the mounting plate i5@ by a journal bolt |543 extended concentricaliy through the adjustable plate and rigidly mounted in the plate |50. A pair of arcuate slots I are formed concentrically through the adjustable plate and headed holts extend through the end screwthreadably engaged in the mounting plate.

A tool motor Ita having a drive shaft it is rigidly mounted on the adjustable plate its with the drive shaft in substantially parallel relation thereto. A saw hlade |52 is mounted on the drive shaft it! in the usual manner.

A reversible driving motor E is mounted on the base IftI and has driving connection to the carriage It by means of a pinion IE5. A reversible switch Il@ is mounted on the adjustable plate |53 ,and a stop lll provided on the iixed plate |551 for engagement with the reversible switch. The arrangement of the arcuate slot |35 land headed bolt i3? and the positioning of the switch |18 and stop lll areV such that the carriage arm Hi8 may he transversely posed to the table, in which event the reversible switch Il!) engages the stop, and may he pivoted in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1J until in vsubstantially @5 angular relation to the table, which condition the reversible switch has disengaged the stop and electrical- 1y reversed for reasons soon to become apparent.

In relating to the switches, it should further he observed that reversible switches llt are mounted on each of the bases l, l/l, and Elf-1I for alternate engagement by the stops 31, il?, and I 52 of their respective carriage arms the mounting plates 8S, llt, and Iii-3 respectively to eifect successive reversing of the switches. Further, limit switches Ill are mounted said bases for engagement by the designated mounting plates. The limit switches are resiliently 7 urged to closed position and are opened by mounting plate engagement.

Elongated clamps i535, i8l, and |82 are pivctally mounted on the fence 32 respectively between the stop and the shelf |32, between the stop 52 and the carriage arm |62, between the carriage arm itil and the carriage arm lili, and between the carriage arm. iid and the carriage arm 21.1. As indicated in 6, the clamps are adapted to overlay 2 x ls rested on each of the thirty individual cainming fingers 5.4i shaped to urge the 2 i: 4s against the fence when thrust downwardly into clamping position. Each of the clamps are manually positionable between a retracted upwardly extended position and a clamping position transversely extended across the table. el control switch 81 is mounted for actuation by the clamp itil. A pair of control switches and l are mounted for concurrent actuation by the clamp itl. Similarly a pair of control switches it and 59| are mounted for actuation by the clamp it. The control switches are resiliently urged into open position and are closed only by thrusting their respective clamps downwardly into clamping position.

As evident in 2, the fence 32 is relieved adjacent to the saw blades 22 and iti and adjacent to the router head for passage of the saw blades through the fence and 2 x s rested on the table to cut the 2 X Lls in two and for passage of the router head through the fence and through the upwardly disposed edges of the 2 x Lls.

Five manually operable control switches |95, |95, i9?, it, and ltfS are mounted in forwardly disposed positions on the table The switches |95, i9, and 91' are preferably arranged in forwardly disposed positions on the table t@ in conveniently accessible relation adjacent to the clamp |563. ed on the table intermediat clamps ll and |32. A reversing switch is mounted on the bracket 56 adjacent to the stop 52 and is reversed by movement of its respective stop to an upwardly pivoted position past the vertical where it may be A rested when not in use. Similarly a reversing switch 29| is mounted on the bracket 55 adjacent to the stop 59 so as to be reversed when the stop is pivoted to an upwardly extended position as described for stop 52.

Referring to Fig. 3, the wiring system of the described apparatus becomes clearly apparent. A source of electrical energy is indicated at 205. The circuit connects the conditioning switches 55 and 5r? parallel and said parallel conditioning switches in series with the control switch |51 and the tool motor i iiilto the source of elec trical energy 2&5. The circuit connects the control switch 83 in series with the tool motor iii!) to the source of e ectrical energy and the control switch |532 in series with the tool motor H8 also to said source. rlhus closing of all of the switches 55 or all of the switches conditions the circuit so that the switch 21` is operable to start and to stop the tool motor itt* and the parallel switches ll'i and i9? operable to start and to stop the driving motor |255. Further, the circuit connects the conditioning switches 55 in series with the control switch |9| and the tool motor Eli to the source or" electrical energy and said conditioning switches 55 in series with the control switch liil! and the control motor lil@ to said source in series with the parallel switches 11 and iSS. The closing of the switches 55 conditions the circuit sc that the control switch |9I rShe switches i9@ itt are inountis operable to control the tool motor 94 and the switch is operable to control the motor |00 through the parallel switches |11 and |98. The manually operable control switch is connected electrically in parallel with the limit witch |11 and said parallel switches in series with the reversible switch |16 which is connected to the drive motor |65 in parallel relation to the tool motor |90. The reversing switches |16 are connected to the driving motors |00, |25, and 65 and are each connected in series with their respective limit switches |11 and thence in parallel with their respective tool motors 94, H8, and |59. The manually controlled switch |91 is connected in by-pass relation to each of the limit switches |11. The reversible switch |10 is connected to the solenoid |55 and in series with the manually controlled switch |95 to the source of electrical energy. The reversible switch 200 is connected to the solenoid 9| and in series with the manually controlled switch |35 to the source of electrical energy. The reversible switch Il is connected to the solenoid 56 and in series with the manually controlled switch ISS to said source.

Operation With brief reference to the operation of the apparatus of the present invention in the formation of studding, common rafters, jack rafters, valley-to-hip rafters, and valley-to-ridge rafters of the character described but not shown, it is believed that the utility of the apparatus will be clearly apparent. For descriptive simplification, the structure described for mounting the tool motor |69 is referred to as the jack rafter carriage, the structure for mounting the tool motor H8 as the studding carriage, and the structure for mounting the tool motor 94 as the router carriage.

To form studding, the jack rafter carriage and the studding carriage are adjustably spaced so that the saw blades |22 and |92 are spaced a distance equal to the length of a studding to be formed and the carriage arm M3 arranged in right angular relation to the table 30. A plurality of 2 X 4s |83 are edgewardly rested on the table against the fence 32 with opposite ends lthereof extended past the saw blades. The clamp |3| is manually thrust downwardly into clamping relation to the 2 X 4s closing the switches |88 and |89 energizing the motors I9 and |50 and conditioning the circuits for operation of the motors |25 and |65. It will be recalled that the limit switches |11 are held in open position when their respective carriages are in retracted position. The manual control switch |91 is closed actuating the driving motors |25 and |55 causing the carriages to traverse the table and the 2 x ls rested thereon so that the driven saw blades cut the 2 x Lls into studding of the desired length. Upon traversing the table the stops |51 and |52 engage the reversing switches |15 reversing the drive motors to retract the carriages. lt is only necessary briefly to close the manual switch |91 to initiate the operation for as soon as the carriages have moved from retracted position, the limit switches thereofare closed and remain closed until return of the carriages to retracted positions whereupon they are opened, terminating the cycle.

To cut common rafters, the stop 53 is elevated by the solenoid 55 in response to closing of the manual switch |99. 2 X 4s are rested on edge against the fence 32 with corresponding ends thereof extended past the router carriage and the sawv blade |22. The router carriage is elevationally adjusted by manipulation of the hand wheel and the adjustable plate 8d positioned on the bracket t6 to achieve the desired position of the router head ilii. The clamp HB2 is manually lowered into clamping relation by the 2 X /ls automatically energizing' the tool motor 9d and lit by closing` the switches it@ and lili and preconditioning the drive motors iilii and |2i for operation. By closing the control switch |28, the drive motors and |25 reciprocally travel their respective carriages and power driven tools mounted thereon transversely of the table cutting a square end on each 2 x 4 and providing a router formed notch for said engagement with a cap plate in a frame building construction. The re versing switches Vi and limit switches lil' oper ate in connection with the motors i0@ and |25, as previously described, for the motors |25 and The switch |95 is closed to lower the stop 52. The adjustable plate |53 is rotated to incline the saw blade |62 as illustrated in dashed line in Fig. 2 to conform to the desired angularity of the ends of the rafters being formed. The latch 42 is engaged in a selected notch i3 placing the bracket 36 mounting the stop e2 in predetermined relation to the saw blade |2 for the rafters to be formed. The manual control switch itt is closed lowering the stop 52 onto the table by actuation of the solenoid iii. Lowering of the stop conditions the reversing switch 2te so that subsequent closing of the switch |98 serves to raise the stop. The 2 x s are slid longitudinally of the table so that the squared ends thereof cut by the saw blade |22 resting against the stop 52 close the switches t5. The clamp itil is lowered into operating position to hold the 2 x 4s in place closing the switch |21 which energizes the tool motor Hill and conditions the driving motor |65 for operation. Closing the manual switch |97 initiates reciprocal movement of the jack rafter carriage and saw blade |62 transversely across the table forming the angular ends of the rafters.

To form jack rafters, the ends of 2 X ls |83 are out and notched by means of the saw blade |22 and router head tb as described for the common rafters. With the saw blade |62 in the tipped position described and shown in Fig. 2, the upper mounting plate |34 is rotatably positioned on the mounting plate |33 so that the carriage arm it is in substantially 45 angular relation to the table 3d as shown in dashed line in Fig. l. Such adjustment of the upper mounting plate |34 actuates the reversible switch l'iii by engagement with the stop |l|. Closing of the manual switch |95 lowers the auxiliary stop 59 by actuating the solenoid 55. The squared ends of the 2 x 4s are slid against the faces lil of the auxiliary stop closing the conditioning `switches t8. The clamp |82 is lowered to clamping position closing the control switch |8l to start the tool motor It@ and condition the drive motor |65 for operation. The manual control switch lii'i is closed to actuate the driving motor |65 whereupon the saw blade |62 is reciprocated angularly across the table in its tilted position to form ends of compound angularity on the jack rafters.

It will be o-bvious that reciprocation of the saw blade |62 across the 2 x es cuts ends from the jack. rafters which if of sufficient length maybe conveniently salvaged, as follows: in making jack rafters of a given length, there are always corresponding jack rafters of complementary length. That is, for every 8 ft. jack rafter there is usually a 4 it. jack rafter. If a 2 x 4 12 ft. long is utilized, the scrap ends of the 2 X is may be turned end for end and. the ends of compound angularity placed against the stop Preliminary adjustment 0i' the spacing of the stops 52 and 53 on the spacer rod 3d will thus assure that the uncut ends of the scraps are secure across the saw blades |22. The ends or the scraps engage the conditioning switches and close the same. The clamp lei is again lowered into position closing the switches itt and iti actuating the motors 2i!- and Ht. Closing of the manual switch H5 reciprocates the saw blade H22 and the router head 96 transversely of the clamped 2 x es forining an additional Set of jack rafters.

'l'o iorrn valley-to-hip rafters having opposite ends of compound angularity terminating in parallel planes, the apparatus is conditioned for use with the auxiliary stop til in lowered posi tion, with the carriage arm i523 angularly related to the table 3e, and with the saw blade |E2 tipped. A plurality oi 2 x fis ii are edgewardly rested on the table against the fence |32 and the clamp liii lowered to nolo. the 2 x es in place with ends thereof engagable by the saw blade |ii2. Closing oi' the manual control switch itl causes the motor its to reciprocate the blade across the 2 X es while driven by the motor itil. The ends cut from the 2 X as are discarded and the 2 X is slid to the leit as the table is viewed in Fig. l, and engaged with the conditioning switches tt. 'with ine auxiliary stop in properly spaced relation to the blade i252, the clamp i3d is lowered and the switch ist closed cutting the opposite ends of the valley-to-hip rafters.

'When valley-to-ridge rafters are to be formed, the same general procedure is followed as in the formation of valiey-to-hip rafters except that preliminary to the second cut the auxiliary stop 59 is raised so that the ends oi' the 2 X Lls can engage the conditioning switches 65 and the carriage arm l-fii is returned to right angular relation to the table and the tipped attitude of the saw blade |62 caused to accord with the pitch of the roof desired.

The mass production of other structural members in the apparatus of the present invention will occur to anyone skilled in the art. The apparatus minimizes waste incident to human error and results in a more precisely uniform production. The mass production of studding, rafters, and the like made possible by the subject apparatus substantially minimizes construction costs and building time.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

In a lumber shaping apparatus, an elongated table, a fence mounted longitudinally of the table, a pair of brackets slidably mounted on the table in adjustable spaced relation longitudinally thereof, a push-=pull rod interconnecting the brackets in adjustable spaced relation, a transverse stop pivotally mounted on each of the brackets for movement between a position rested transversely on the table and an upwardly pivoted position, an auxiliary stop pivotally mounted on one of the transverse stops for movement 11 between a position extended longitudinally of the table from its respective stop toward the opposite stop and an upwardly pivoted position, means mounted on the table engageable with the pushpull rod releasably to lock the rod in adjusted position longitudinally of the table to locate the brackets in fixed positions longitudinally of the table, and a power driven saw mounted on the table intermediate the stops for engagement with lumber rested on the table.

RUSSELL E'. GROVE.

References Cited in the ille of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Dyer July 5, 1910 Goff Sept. 22, 1925 Jull Aug. 9, 1927 Pennock Nov. 7, 1933 Crouch Jan. 3, 1939 Tracy Oct. 28, 1941 Miller Apr. 25, 1944 Benton May 16, 1944 De Spain Jan. 29, 1946 Bamford, Sr Nov. 6, 1951 Hult Nov. 6, 1951 Gillespie Apr. 22, 1952 

